Bilyonaryo Robina Gokongwei-Pe broke the ice at a recent gathering of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) by talking about one of her passions, supporting the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons.
In a Facebook post, the president of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. said she shared the stage with Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ and De La Salle University President. Brother Bernie Oca, FSC at the celebration of GBF’s 30th anniversary.
ADMU and DLSU are among the schools where GBF scholars are studying.
Gokongwei-Pe said she unwillingly became the event’s emcee upon the prodding of her sister, Lisa.
“Fr. Bobby (Yap of Ateneo) and Br. Bernie (Oca of DLSU) were supposed to talk about their plans for the school, but since I am far from being an academic, much less knowing how to be an emcee on academics, I had to start by asking them, ‘Who will be 2nd to UP in Season 86 of UAAP men’s basketball?,'” said Gokongwei-Pe, a loud and proud UP alumna.
The two priests joked with her and said that they’re not even sure if her school is a championship contender this time around, coming from a Season 84 championship and a runner-up finish last December 2022.
“Nakakatawa kayong dalawa, Fr. Bobby and Br. Bernie!,” Gokongwei added. “All in the spirit of fun, as we all have only one goal: to improve the standards of STEM and basketball in this country! See you in Season 86!”
